I don’t know if it’s just me getting older (sigh) but I’ve noticed that my TV viewing has changed a lot. I used to watch a lot of Geordie Shore, Ex on the Beach and Hell’s Kitchen but now I’m moving away from graphic reality shows and looking for more upbeat programming.

TV is changing and some of it is not for the better. We’re actually watching less TV and watching more on streaming channels too. Some of the shows I used to watch have become completely unwatchable. Shows I used to find entertaining are now making me cringe. Is it them or me?

I think it’s probably a bit of both. However, I have noticed the biggest change I needed to make was myself and changing what I watch to make a more positive reflection on my life. Personally, I’ve been struggling more and more with my mental health. Even though talking about it on my blog has helped, I’ve also needed to make some personal lifestyle changes. Including, steering away from things that trigger my anxiety and push my buttons.

Let’s me honest, the world isn’t getting better either. The news is filled with negative headlines, including Plastic in our Oceans, Body Negativity, Animals becoming extinct, Racism, Sexual Harassment and Terrorism. You can’t completely block it out and it’s good to know what’s going on but every now and again I need some positivity thrown in to take me away from the real world.

The last thing I want to see on TV right now is people verbally abusing each other, shagging on TV, throwing furniture, punching walls, destroying beautiful mansions or watching people slag of their friends and being two faced. I want to see people fall in love, make lasting friendships, showing body positivity, supporting each other, pure cuteness and shows that make me howl in laughter.

A TV Detox is in order. Here’s some TV Shows you need to delete from your TV schedule, like now:

EX ON THE BEACH

When this show first came out, I generally thought it was amazing. However, that was when they “didn’t know what was about to happen”. They didn’t know their Exs were about to rock up and spoil their holiday and potential new relationship. Now, it’s just filled with reality star wannabes, wanting to boost their Instagram accounts and spend the rest of thier lives promoting products they’ll never use or wear on social media.

8 – 10 weeks of watching young “adults” swearing, slagging each other off, “bucking” under the sheets, bragging, talking filth and mainly disrespecting themselves and each other. A show once fun and intense, turned into “Who wants to be a social media celebrity for all the wrong reasons” show. Completely setting the wrong example for a younger generation to get some minor fame. Oh, and the physical fights are appalling.

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

GEORDIE SHORE

I was a HUGE fan of Geordie Shore but as the main cast swiftly exited the show so did I. For me, the final straw was Charlotte leaving the show but I was getting tired before then of the negative developing antics of the show. Yes, the show has never been tame. They show them shagging under the sheets, swearing every second and the bitchiness was unreal. However, the main aspect of the show was them finding love and the fact they were a family which balances out the negatives.

Now most of the original family has left, we’re left with strangers trying to keep the original bond alive which doesn’t really work. Instead, we’ve been left with randoms trying to pick up the pieces from the original cast and trying to keep the original theme of the show alive. Drinking, partying and shagging but no humour, no real love stories and fake family bonding. I miss the days of Vicky’s original one liners like “She’s annoying…like thrush!”

I do think this might just be me growing up but so has the original cast and they moved on too. Now, we’re left with kids trying to get famous, getting drunk and being paid to do so. That’s not entertaining.

Photo Credit: Daily Star

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ….ANYWHERE

I seriously don’t get this show but it’s growing and more destinations are being added around the world. Why? There’s so much bitching, back stabbing and two faced women in this show it’s unbelievable. I prefer shows that empower women, not who try to verbally destroy each other.

Photo Credit: Vulture

16 AND PREGNANT

No. Just no. I’ve never been a fan of this show. I think the original message of the show has been completely lost and now some (not all) 16 year old’s think it’s manageable to have children so young and ruin their childhood. Also, thinking it could lead to fame to be on the show?! We now even have a UK version. No.

I’ve had friends who had children young and I know how difficult it was for them. All the struggles they had to face with school, work, trying to stay with the father and having a baby. The fact is not all young partners stay together. I certainly wouldn’t date my first ever boyfriend again now. No way.

To make it worse, the families can say quite horrible things to each other and the support isn’t always there. It’s quite heartbreaking. The message is lost. Stop showing what to do after your 16 and pregnant. Concentrate more to stop people getting pregnant too young in the first place. Better Sex Ed.

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

BIG BROTHER

Here’s the truth. I actually wanted to be in Big Brother. I actually went to audition once. However, there is no chance I would go on it now. Big Brother is on a downwards spiral. Why? It’s so hostile!

Every year, we are introduced to more and more outrageous individuals. Getting more and more extreme as the years go on. Remember when there were actual nice, normal people in Big Brother and it was so much better. People who weren’t attention seeking, dramatic and game players (except Nasty Nick) who just wanted to enjoy the experience.

The show can still be good without glamour models, loud, slightly disturbing, over eccentric individuals. Don’t get me started on Celebrity Big Brother, even though it’s slightly more tolerable.

Photo Credit: Channel 5

Now it’s time to fill the negative void with some love, joy and feel good positivity:

QUEER EYE

Yaaaas! It’s all about Queer Eye and the impending second season on Netflix. Talk about a ray of sunshine and a beautiful rainbow to go with it. These fabulous men are here to give selected individuals a make over, on the inside and out. They tackle your home, diet, love life and give you a good old therapy lesson too.

Honestly, I love this show. It’s got all the good vibes and the entertainment to match. No fighting, no bitching. Just a good make over show which will make you smile throughout.

Photo Credit: Netflix

FIRST DATES

One of the best dating shows on TV is First Dates. It’s for all ages and doesn’t discriminate against sexuality, disability, race and shows that there is someone out there for everyone. Watching a potential new relationships blossom is a fascinating thing to watch. There’s still a bunch of car crash first dates to watch too for our entertainment. However, most dates are pretty positive.

If you are struggling on the dating scene (like me) then you”ll be inspired by this show and it’ll keep you motivated to keep looking.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE

I’ve just binge watched 5 seasons of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in about a month. I can’t get enough of it. It’s a complete skit on America’s Next Top Model but for Drag Queens. You get to see how much work really goes into drag.

The contestants compete in challenges every week and make their own drag costumes too. These ladies are super creative and it’s totally inspiring. You even hear all the stories of them coming out to their families and other heart warming stories about the drag and LGBT community. It’s still got all the drama and shade as you expect with drag queen’s but it’s in good taste (most of the time). Plus, when the library is closed…it’s closed. Oh, and the Snatch Game is my favourite part every season. Hilarious.

Can I get an Amen up in here! Now, Sashay Away!

ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE

Newborn babies. What’s not to love?! Now this is more realistic than 16 and Pregnant. This show really shows how painful it is to give birth. The miracle of life is a wonderful experience (which I can certainly wait a few more years for yet) and it really captures every single moment while these ladies go through labour.

Some of the stories are really emotional to hear and not just from the expecting parents but the wonderful staff too.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

THE SECRET LIFE OF 4 AND 5 YEAR OLDS

A few years later, they can go on this show. This (not so) secret camera show let us see what really happens in the play ground. I love it for the psychology aspect of the show, will they share their toys, will they be fair, will they tell. It’s fascinating TV to watch and some of the reactions of the children are truly incredible.

These kids are adorable and there’s nothing like the positive outlook of the world through a child’s eyes to put things into perspective.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

LOVE ISLAND

TEXT! Love Island hit’s our screens tomorrow and I can’t wait for it to take over my evenings. Yes, there’s people bucking under the covers (in a cupboard or controversially on top of the sheets in front of a room full of people and in front of the whole nation), swearing and some two faced individuals but this show is so much more than that. It’s a dating show with a difference and for some of them, they actually do find love at the end. We’ve had engagements, babies and our first weddings are on the horizon.

I can’t wait for another summer of sayings like “Getting Pied“, “You Melt“, “Muggy“, “Get Peacockin“, “Grafting“, “Stick it on em” and “100% my type on paper“. Perfect lovey dovey TV to bring in the summer.

Photo Credit: ITV2

If none of these tickle your fancy, you can always play the Greatest Showman on repeat. I certainly do.

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Which is the most negative and positive TV show you’ve ever seen? Let me know in the comments below.

5 Comments

I can’t tell you how much I love this post! I’ve stopped watching all the shows in the first list but never really considered how much they can effect my mental health and outlook!

I need, need to start watching queer eye! I’m also I big fan of shows like ambulance and the recent a&e live – anything that shows how amazing our emergency services are. They can make you cry but they’re also really uplifting.

I don’t watch any of these except as a guilty pleasure I do watch The Real Housewives of Melbourne, I agree it is quite toxic but I have to admit, I like seeing the different parts of Melbourne that they film at!

A travelling Northern Lass who’s afraid of everything. Anxiously travelling the world, one step and one deep breath at a time. Screaming and crying most of the time but still doing myself proud by battling my anxiety everyday to see the world! When I’m not travelling I’m watching every film at the cinema and attending film events. See you on the next big adventure!